Mental health expert warns Woodlands board of continued concerns – Chron.com

Palmer Buck, fire chief of he Woodlands Fire Department, todl the baord members that a long-awaited study on damage to Fire Station No. 5, as well as of stations No. 3 and No. 4, had been completed by Martinez Architects and would be presented to the board in October. Weve had significantly more movement since 2019, Buck said.

Palmer Buck, fire chief of he Woodlands Fire Department, todl the baord members that a long-awaited study on damage to Fire Station No. 5, as well as of stations No. 3 and No. 4, had been completed by Martinez

Photo: Courtesy Image / Courtesy Image

Palmer Buck, fire chief of he Woodlands Fire Department, todl the baord members that a long-awaited study on damage to Fire Station No. 5, as well as of stations No. 3 and No. 4, had been completed by Martinez Architects and would be presented to the board in October. Weve had significantly more movement since 2019, Buck said.

Palmer Buck, fire chief of he Woodlands Fire Department, todl the baord members that a long-awaited study on damage to Fire Station No. 5, as well as of stations No. 3 and No. 4, had been completed by Martinez

Mental health expert warns Woodlands board of continued concerns

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors heard updates Thursday on mental health concerns stemming from the COVID pandemic as well as a damage assessment of Fire Station No. 5, which has slab and foundation issues.

Director Ann Snyder, who is the COVID-19 charitable organization liaison, invited Evan Roberson, executive director of the Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare, to speak to the board about continuing issues related to mental health and suicide caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related: Experts worry about mental health as COVID-19 continues

Roberson provided some information and statistics, saying that there have been significant increases in demand for all mental health care. In June, there was a 27 percent increase year-to-year for calls to the organizations hotline and in July, the year-over-year increase in calls was 47 percent higher than in 2019. For the week of Sept. 6-12, he said, the all-time record for adults seeking mental health assessments was set.

The pandemic and lock-downs, he said, have caused crises including escalating emotions, irrational thoughts, suicidal ideations and heightened anxiety in both children, teens and adults.

It is important to hang out with positive people, he advised. Make personal contact (with others), avoid overloading youreself with negative new. Avoid excessive alcohol or drugs. Your mental health is important.

According to township policing statistics, there have been a total of 45 suicides or attempted suicides in The Woodlands in 2020. In April, there were three, in May there were five, in June there were six and in July there were a total of eight. The issue of mental health and suicide prevention has been a high priority for the township in recent years, and officials have partnered with others in the community to combat the issue.

Palmer Buck, fire chief of The Woodlands Fire Department, told the board members that a long-awaited study on damage to Fire Station No. 5, as well as of stations No. 3 and No. 4, had been completed by Martinez Architects and would be presented to the board in October.

Weve had significantly more movement since 2019, Buck said.

Related: Woodlands Fire officials still waiting for structural analysis for Station No. 5

Ann Snyder said the issue has been present since at least 2009 and nothing has been done to resolve the problems and the delay was in her opinion unacceptable.

I feel it is our responsibility as a township board to look at (Fire Station NO. 5) and get it fixed, Snyder said. The facility they are currently using is not adequate and has deficiencies. Weve put Band-aids in issues since 2010.

Fire Station No. 5 has unknown structural damage to the slab and foundation of the building due to unknown causes. Officials suspect seismic activity or subsidence, which has possibly led to cracking of the foundational slab and uneven floors. It is not known if the station will need to be torn down and rebuilt or can be repaired.

Township officials announced briefly that the popular Inspire Film Festival would return for a fifth year in February 2021 with details to be announced in the coming months.

The festival, founded by local resident Jane Minarovic, spans four days in mid-February each year bringing films, shorts and documentaries to the township that inspire viewers to be more active in life or causes. There are also dozens of events such as a fashion show, VIP opening night party and special talks with film producers, directors and actors.

Related: Township News & Notes: Woodlands named a film-friendly community

Director Bruce Rieser, who is also chairman of the Visit The Woodlands board, said the film festival is a great event and he was glad it was back for another year.

We certainly want to support them, Rieser said of the festival.

The Woodlands was recently named a Texas Film Friendly Community for the townships efforts to host filming of commercials and other productions as well as Inspire.

jeff.forward@chron.com

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Mental health expert warns Woodlands board of continued concerns - Chron.com